Delight in these festive Cranberry Linzer Cookies, which are a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. With their buttery almond cookie dough and tart cranberry jam filling, these cookies offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Their intricate shapes make them visually appealing and ideal for gifting or sharing at gatherings. Experience the joy they bring during the holiday season or enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Beautiful: The unique shapes and powdered sugar dusting make these cookies a standout on any dessert table.
- Tart and Sweet Flavor: The combination of buttery cookies with tangy cranberry jam creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create stunning cookies that impress.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are lovely packaged in boxes or tins, making them great homemade gifts during the holidays.
- Versatile Filling Options: Substitute cranberry jam with your favorite fruit jam for a personalized twist.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cranberry Linzer Cookies, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
- Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps achieve uniform thickness when rolling out the dough, ensuring even baking.
- Cookie cutters: Using various shapes adds creativity to your cookies, enhancing their visual appeal.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create delicious Cranberry Linzer Cookies:
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (or almond flour)
For the Filling and Topping
- ¾ cup cranberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in ground almonds until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into discs.
- Wrap each disc in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for easier rolling.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough.
- For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Place all cookie shapes on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
- Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of cranberry jam on solid cookies.
- Place cut-out cookies on top to create sandwiches.
- Dust tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your beautiful Cranberry Linzer Cookies on a platter and enjoy their delightful combination of flavors!
How to Serve Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Cranberry Linzer Cookies are not only delicious but also make for a beautiful presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy these festive delights.
Classic Platter Presentation
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a selection of teas or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Place the cookies in a decorative box or tin, perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
- Add a personalized note or tag to make it extra special for friends and family.
Holiday Cookie Exchange
- Bring your Cranberry Linzer Cookies to a cookie exchange event; their unique flavor will surely impress others.
- Consider including a few different shapes and sizes for variety.
Dessert Table Feature
- Showcase these cookies as part of a larger dessert table at gatherings or parties.
- Combine with other festive treats like peppermint bark and chocolate truffles.
How to Perfect Cranberry Linzer Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Cranberry Linzer Cookies, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.
- Chill the dough well: A longer chilling time helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Experiment with flavors: Try different jams or add spices to the dough for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Cut shapes carefully: Use sharp cookie cutters to get clean edges and precise shapes for your cookies.
- Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies to prevent overbaking.
- Use quality almond flour: A fine grind will give your cookies that buttery texture that pairs perfectly with cranberry jam.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Linzer Cookies
Serving Cranberry Linzer Cookies can be enhanced with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to pair them with.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: A rich and warming drink that perfectly complements the tartness of cranberry jam.
- Peppermint Bark: This sweet treat adds a refreshing minty contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light and fresh option that balances out the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside fruits for a savory contrast.
- Gingerbread Men: These classic holiday favorites create a nostalgic combination with cranberry flavors.
- Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine enhance the festive spirit when served alongside these cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cranberry Linzer Cookies, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:
- Skipping the chill time: Failing to refrigerate the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Incorrect flour measurement: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Always measure flour using the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Not using fresh jam: Old or thick jam can affect the flavor and texture. Ensure your cranberry jam is fresh and not overly thickened.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking for too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
- Skipping powdered sugar dusting: Neglecting to dust with powdered sugar can make your cookies less festive. A light dusting adds a delightful finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Cranberry Linzer Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months; wrap well in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Cranberry Linzer Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5-8 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other jams for Cranberry Linzer Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot jam as alternatives.
How do I decorate my Cranberry Linzer Cookies?
You can drizzle melted chocolate or use colored icing for extra decoration, making them even more festive!
Are Cranberry Linzer Cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cranberry Linzer Cookies, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
How do I get my cookies to hold their shape?
Chilling the dough before rolling out is essential for maintaining shape during baking.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Linzer Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Their buttery almond base pairs beautifully with tart cranberry jam, creating a delightful flavor combination. You can easily customize these cookies by experimenting with different jams or decorations, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts. Enjoy creating these sweet memories!
Cranberry Linzer Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Cranberry Linzer Cookies. These charming treats feature buttery almond dough, paired with a tangy cranberry jam filling, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Their intricate shapes and dusting of powdered sugar make them not only a delicious addition to your holiday celebrations but also a stunning gift for friends and family. With simple preparation steps, even novice bakers can craft these elegant cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a sweet indulgence any time of year, these Cranberry Linzer Cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely ground almonds
- ¾ cup cranberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir in ground almonds until combined.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough to ⅛-inch thick and cut shapes using cookie cutters; create holes in half of the cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around edges; cool on wire racks.
- Spread cranberry jam on solid cookies and top with cut-out cookies; dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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